Cornerstone of French Enlightenment Philosophy.- Helvetius (Claude Adrien) De l'Esprit, true first issue "A" of the suppressed first edition, large paper copy, one of only 7 recorded with the 80pp. non-cartonnees at end, contemporary French mottled calf, gilt, red morocco spine label, 4to (281 x 216mm.), Paris, Durand, 1758.*** Superb copy of this true 'black swan' of French philosophical works. Helvetius' main work, for which he is chiefly remembered today. The work caused an immense uproar when it first appeared. It was considered heretical, atheistic, and immoral and lost its privilege within a few weeks; it was forcefully condemned by both the Church and the State and was publicly burnt by the Executioner, with the avowed aim of destroying all copies. The text was passed by an initial censor and the first few copies were printed and kept by the author for personal distribution to his friends. However, the publication was suspended early on in the printing process and a second censor called for large sections to be removed. Pagination: (2) ff., XXII and 643 pp., (1) p., 80 pp.Literature: David W. Smith -The Publication of Helve?tius's De l'esprit (1758-59), French Studies, XVIII, 1964, 332-44.